216,842
Maine adults, or 1 in 5 people, are functioning at the
lowest levels of literacy. All of these adults could
benefit from Literacy Volunteers' services.

One
of the biggest obstacles facing literacy providers
today is that most of us take for granted the ability
to read and write.

How
can improved literacy affect your community?

Help our communities be healthier, and reduce individual,
insurer, employer, and government health care costs;

Advance the employability of Maine citizens;

Increase the efficiency and profitability of Maine
businesses, improve their sustainability, and attract
businesses looking to come to Maine;

Improve the quality of life for all Mainers.
Literacy is an issue that affects all of our communities,
and it will take a community effort to make a difference.
If youd like to personally make a difference
click here.

History

A
Brief History of Literacy Volunteers of Greater Sanford
May, 2011 - Founded in 1986, Literacy Volunteers of Greater
Sanford (LVGS) is celebrating 25 years of serving the community.
Our mission is supporting the literacy needs of adults age
18 and above with free, confidential one-on-one tutoring and
small group instruction by trained adult volunteers. Our approach
is student-centered and we are honored to provide adult learning
opportunities.

LVGS
was created following a national media campaign called PLUS-Project
Literacy U.S.-that spread the word about how many adults in
this country have literacy levels so low that they are prevented
from functioning in society and achieving their potential.

The Sanford PLUS Task Force was formed and included adult
educators, business leaders, social service agencies, religious
leaders, civic organizations, and media representatives, all
working together to find solutions to increasing the literacy
rates in our community. This spirit of collaboration and concern
for helping individuals improve their skills and become more
self-reliant still motivate our work today.

Over
the years, many volunteers and staff have led and guided LVGS,
from its early days as the Goodall Library Literacy Volunteers
of America, to its more recent form as an independent, private,
501c3 nonprofit. We are grateful for the countless hours of
service that our volunteer tutors, Board members, office volunteers,
and other dedicated individuals have devoted to this cause.

Community
support from businesses, individuals, service clubs, foundations,
and other partners has played a fundamental role in our ability
to carry out our mission. Without this support, in the form
of donated goods, services, funds, time, publicity, and friendship,
we would not have come to our 25th anniversary.

As
we look to the future, we remain passionately dedicated to
providing opportunities for students to improve their literacy
skills so they can achieve their life goals relating to career,
family, education, and civic participation. We know that one
person's progress with literacy has a positive ripple effect
on many other people, and we are honored to have a part in
this inspirational story of human learning, dignity, courage
and achievement.